Bathing Sponge Device

ABSTRACT

A bathing sponge device for utilizing soap and soap remnants while taking a shower or bath is provided. The bathing sponge device comprises a sponge having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface. A storage pocket is formed in the top surface of the sponge. The storage pocket is capable of receiving the soap and soap remnants.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/146,481 filed Apr. 13, 2015, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Suds Buddy,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of personal hygiene, and more specifically to the field of bathing sponges with soaping capability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Starting or ending one's day by showering underneath a pulsating shower head or soaking in a warm tub is revitalizing and refreshing. One challenge in a daily bath is storing and handling bar soap. Quickly deteriorating in soap dishes and underneath running shower stalls, a large bar of soap can end up as a small sliver within a few days. Extremely soft and small, these slivers of soap are difficult to handle and therefore impractical to use. Once a bar of soap has dissolved into small pieces, it is easily trapped in drainage systems and plumbing, resulting in costly repair bills. Many people simply toss these slivers of soap in the garbage rather than deal with the hassle of attempting to fully utilize them.

Many individuals utilize bar soap in conjunction with bath sponges and brushes. Bath sponges and brushes quickly whisk away dirt and oil, leaving a bather clean and refreshed. Unfortunately, using a bar of soap in conjunction with a bath sponge requires the user to first lather the soap, rub the soap onto the sponge, and then rub the cloth on the body, a time consuming and tedious task.

The prior art has put forth several designs for bath sponges with soaping capability. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,486 to Hong D. Tran describes a bath sponge that is equipped with a built in soap dispenser constructed of a sponge body that has a first cavity on one side, and a handle portion that has a second cavity for holding a quantity of liquid soap that may be in fluid communication with the first cavity when a gate is opened by operating a push button gate release device.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,643 to Joseph E. Caniglia describes a soap and sponge washing device for washing the body in a shower or bath. The device includes a container forming an envelope for a bar of soap, discrete openings through to the container interior allowing water access to the soap and the facile exiting of lather for washing purposes, and a tab locking strip integral with the container material for locking the soap in the container. Preferably there is a plurality of openings and preferably the tab lock is T shaped or truncated arrow shaped and is lockable into an opening in the container to block the entrance thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,933,876 to Gertrude L. Smith describes a bath sponge having a pocket that is adapted to receive and hold a cake of soap so that both the sponge and soap are conveniently held in one hand while in use. The bath sponge has a soap receiving pocket that is easily and conveniently opened to permit the insertion or removal of the cake of soap. The soap receiving pocket is proactive in holding the soap in direct contact with the sponge body.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,748,406 to George W. Blair describes a sponge formed into a rectangular block and having six rectangular walls. The sponge block has an inside pocket for receiving and storing a cake of soap. One wall of the sponge block has a semicircular or crescent incision which communicates with the pocket. The incision effects a semi annular flap which is manually raised to assume an angular position in respect to the wall of which it is a part. By raising the flap, an opening is created above the pocket through which a cake of soap is inserted and forced into the pocket. When the flap is closed, it holds the cake of soap in place. Due to the porous nature of the sponge, the lather created by the soap inside of the pocket gradually penetrates the walls of the sponge and provides a constant lather in the sponge without a necessity of frequent application of the soap to the sponge.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a specifically configured sponge that provides a simple means of utilizing soap and soap remnants in conjunction with a sponge while taking a shower or bath.

The present invention is a bathing sponge device for utilizing soap and soap remnants while taking a shower or bath. The bathing sponge device comprises a sponge having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface. A storage pocket is formed in the top surface of the sponge. The storage pocket is capable of receiving the soap and soap remnants.

The present invention further includes a method for utilizing soap and soap remnants while taking a shower or bath. The method comprises providing a sponge having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface, forming a storage pocket in the top surface of the sponge, and inserting the soap and soap remnants in the storage pocket.

The present invention further includes a bathing sponge device for utilizing soap and soap remnants while taking a shower or bath. The bathing sponge device comprises a sponge having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface. A storage pocket is formed in the top surface of the sponge, the storage pocket formed in the approximate center of the sponge, the storage pocket formed through the top surface to a point just short of the bottom surface. The storage pocket is capable of receiving the soap and soap remnants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a bathing sponge device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a hand holdable body sponge with an integrated storage pocket for holding soap.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating the bathing sponge device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the hand holdable body sponge with the integrated storage pocket for holding soap.

FIG. 3 is an elevational side view illustrating the bathing sponge device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the integrated storage pocket extending through only a portion of the sponge.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the bathing sponge device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with multiple storage pockets.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the bathing sponge device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the storage pocket extending completely through the sponge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Bathing Sponge Device, indicated generally at 10, that provides a simple means of utilizing soap and soap remnants in conjunction with a sponge 12 while taking a shower or bath. As such, with the Bathing Sponge Device 10, bathers can utilize an entire bar of soap while enjoying an invigorating cleansing experience.

The Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention is a sponge 12 constructed of durable sponge material. The sponge 12 has a first end 14, a second end 16 opposite the first end 14, a first side 18, a second side 20 opposite the first side 18, a top surface 22, a bottom surface 24 opposite the top surface 22, and a side surface 26 between the top surface 22 and the bottom surface 24. Preferably, the sponge 12 has a substantially peanut shape with the width of the sponge between the first side 18 and the second side 20 at the first end 14 and the second end 16 is greater than the width of the sponge 12 between the first side 18 and the second side 20 at a point equidistant from the first end 14 and the second end 16. The peanut shape of the sponge 12 allows a user to more easily grasp the sponge 12 with the bulbous first and second ends 14, 16 being sized for better cleaning.

While the sponge 12 of the Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention has been described and illustrated as having a substantially peanut shape, it is within the scope of the present invention for the sponge 12 to have any geometric shape including, but not limited to, round, oval, square, rectangular, etc.

The sponge 12 of the Bathing Sponge Device 10 is preferably available in two embodiments. The first embodiment of the Bathing Sponge Device 10 is a soft sponge 12 manufactured with a lofty foam rubber material. The second embodiment is a natural or synthetic loofah sponge 12 with a textured surface that gently exfoliates the skin.

The Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention further includes a slit or storage pocket 28 formed in the top surface 22 of the sponge 12 for releasably holding a single bar or several small slivers of soap. While the storage pocket 28 has been described and illustrated herein as being formed in the top surface 22 of the sponge 12, it is within the scope of the present invention to form the storage pocket 28 in the bottom surface 24 or the side surface 26, depending on the desires of the manufacturer and end user.

In a preferred embodiment, the Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention includes a single storage pocket 28 formed in the top surface 22 and running lengthwise of the sponge 12, aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sponge 12 between the first end 14 and the second end 16 of the sponge 12. Preferably, the single storage pocket 28 is formed in the approximate center of the sponge 12 with a midpoint of the storage pocket 28 equidistant between the first end 12 and the second end 16 and equidistant between the first side 18 and the second side 20.

In other embodiments, the Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention can have a single slot 28 that is perpendicular, skewed, or otherwise relative to the longitudinal axis of the sponge 12 or the Bathing Sponge Device 10 can have two or more slots 28 positioned in various positions about the sponge. As understood by those persons skilled in the art, multiple slots 28 allow additional soap and soap remnants to be used for additional and quicker lathering of the sponge 12 during use.

The storage pocket(s) 28 of the Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention is preferably formed through the top surface 22 to a point just short of the bottom surface 24 thereby creating the storage pocket 28 or compartment. It should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention for the storage pocket(s) 28 to extend completely through the sponge 12, from the top surface 22 through the bottom surface 24, thereby creating an open storage pocket 28.

Regardless of the embodiment, the storage pocket(s) 28 of the sponge 12 of the Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention is a simple slotted opening 28 through which the soap bars or slivers are inserted. Each of the storage pockets 28, by the natural tendencies of the sponge material, will have a self-sealing closure where each storage pocket 28 tends to close upon itself after the soap is inserted therein. Or, each or some of the storage pocket(s) 28 can have a mechanical closure, such as simple recessed, plastic zipper like closure.

The sponge 12 of the Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention is constructed of a porous material with a series of openings formed throughout the sponge 12 allowing the lather from the soap to travel to the outer surfaces, i.e., the top surface 22, the bottom surface 24, and the side surface 26, of the sponge 12. To this end, a series of micro openings can pepper the outer surfaces 22, 24, 26 of the sponge 12 and provide additional means through which lathery soap bubbles are dispensed during use. The sponge 12 of the Bathing Sponge Device 10 is produced in an array of attractive colors, as well as understated neutral hues, to correspond with various bathroom decors.

Using the Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention is very simple and straight forward. First, a user fills the empty storage pocket 28 located within the sponge 12 with a full bar of soap or several remnants of soap. Alternatively, a user can squirt liquid soap into the empty storage pocket 28, or a user also can insert a fragrant bath oil into the storage pocket 28 to create a spa like experience.

After the storage pocket 28 seals upon itself or the user seals the storage pocket 28 closed, the Bathing Sponge Device 10 is ready for use. Hopping into the bath or shower, the user allows the water to wet their body and then simply glides the sponge 12 back and forth across their arms, torso, legs and face, enjoying the foamy lather created by the combination of the soft rubber or loofah sponge 12 and the soap contained within the sponge 12. After lathering with the sponge 12 of the Bathing Sponge Device 10, the user hangs the sponge 12 from a shower nozzle or places it in a soap dish. The user rinses off the applied soap in a quick and easy manner, and then steps out of the bath, invigorated and ready to face the rest of the day or evening. Once the soap contained within the sponge 12 has been utilized, the user simply opens the storage pocket 28 of the sponge 12 and refills the storage pocket 28 with a fresh bar of soap or more soap remnants.

Storing several slivers of soap in the storage pocket 28 of the easily handled sponge 12, using the Bathing Sponge Device 10 of the present invention is a practical, drain and money saving alternative to throwing away soap remnants or slivers. Further, as small slivers of soap would be contained within the sponge 12, users are spared the dangers and hazards inherent with slipping on soap when stepping into a bath or taking a shower. Utilizing the Bathing Sponge Device 10 turns bath time into a rich foamy lathering and invigorating experience. Although constructed for home users, the Bathing Sponge Device 10 is effectively useful in hotels and lodging establishments, providing guests a truly pampering treatment.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim. 

1. A bathing sponge device for utilizing soap and soap remnants while taking a shower or bath, the bathing sponge device comprising: a sponge having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface; and a storage pocket formed in the top surface of the sponge; wherein the storage pocket is capable of receiving the soap and soap remnants.
 2. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 wherein the sponge has a substantially peanut shape with the width of the sponge between the first side and the second side at the first end and the second end is greater than the width of the sponge between the first side and the second side at a point equidistant from the first end and the second end.
 3. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 wherein the sponge is constructed of a porous material with a series of openings formed throughout the material allowing the lather from the soap to travel to the top surface, the bottom surface, and the side surface of the sponge.
 4. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 wherein the sponge is constructed from material selected from the group consisting of a lofty foam rubber material and a natural or synthetic loofah sponge with a textured surface.
 5. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 wherein the storage pocket is a single slot parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sponge.
 6. The bathing sponge device of claim 5 wherein the storage pocket is formed in the approximate center of the sponge.
 7. The bathing sponge device of claim 6 wherein the storage pocket is equidistant between the first end and the second end and equidistant between the first side and the second side.
 8. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 and further comprising: two or more slots positioned in various positions about the sponge.
 9. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 wherein the storage pocket is formed through the top surface to a point just short of the bottom surface.
 10. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 wherein the storage pocket extends completely through the sponge, from the top surface through the bottom surface.
 11. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 wherein the storage pocket has a self-sealing closure where the storage pocket closes upon itself after the soap is inserted therein.
 12. The bathing sponge device of claim 1 wherein the storage pocket has a mechanical closure.
 13. The bathing sponge device of claim 11 wherein the mechanical closure is a recessed, plastic zipper-like closure.
 14. A method for utilizing soap and soap remnants while taking a shower or bath, the method comprising: providing a sponge having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface; forming a storage pocket in the top surface of the sponge; and inserting the soap and soap remnants in the storage pocket.
 15. A bathing sponge device for utilizing soap and soap remnants while taking a shower or bath, the bathing sponge device comprising: a sponge having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface; and a storage pocket formed in the top surface of the sponge, the storage pocket formed in the approximate center of the sponge, the storage pocket formed through the top surface to a point just short of the bottom surface; wherein the storage pocket is capable of receiving the soap and soap remnants.
 16. The bathing sponge device of claim 15 wherein the sponge has a substantially peanut shape with the width of the sponge between the first side and the second side at the first end and the second end is greater than the width of the sponge between the first side and the second side at a point equidistant from the first end and the second end.
 17. The bathing sponge device of claim 15 wherein the storage pocket is a single slot parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sponge.
 18. The bathing sponge device of claim 15 wherein the storage pocket is equidistant between the first end and the second end and equidistant between the first side and the second side.
 19. The bathing sponge device of claim 15 and further comprising: two or more slots positioned in various positions about the sponge.
 20. The bathing sponge device of claim 15 wherein the storage pocket has a self-sealing closure where the storage pocket closes upon itself after the soap is inserted therein. 